The Beverley Town Cricket Club 4th XI picked up nine points from a losing draw with Skirlaugh at the Norwood Recreation Ground.
The visitors, below Town in the league table, took full advantage of the fantastic batting conditions and rattled up 270 for 4 from their 44 overs.
Andy Martin’s unbeaten century was the main contribution as Town’s youthful bowling attack laboured in the sun. With only four bowlers to choose from and bowling restrictions to contend with too captain Sam Welburn had a difficult afternoon but all bowlers managed to take a wicket.
Welburn, by far the best bowler on show, led the way with 1 for 44 from his eleven overs. Jacob Mcullen (1-60), Will Rudd (1-69) and Kez Thompson (1-69) all still playing Under 17 or Under 15 cricket, made up the bowling attack.
Unavailable players meant Neil Goforth was drafted in and he resumed last year’s opening partnership with Rob Wicks. They added 71 for the first wicket before Wicks went for 31. Rob Fish settled down to play an uncharacteristically sedate innings in making 20 and Goforth eventually went for 65.
Two more of Beverley’s juniors then took the game to the visitors when Sam Roe and Rudd hit out at the change bowlers. The Skirlaugh opening bowler returned but Roe hit him to all parts in making a maiden senior half century. Rudd went for a well-earned 27 and Roe continued to make an unbeaten 67.
Despite losing eight wickets Town managed to hold on for a draw that leaves them in a very creditable fifth place in Alliance Division One.
Beverley 4th XI drew with Skirlaugh
Skirlaugh 270 for 4
4th XI for 226 for 8
Picture: Jacob Mcullen who finished the day with figures (1-60) in Beverley’s draw
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